A Republican running to become Georgia's next Agriculture commissioner, Gary Black said the safety of the food supply in Georgia and the nation must be protected. Black was Thursday's guest on the “Mornings unPHILtered” show.
    Black said Raybon Anderson, an icon in Bulloch County business and agriculture, is the co-chair of his campaign. Black also told host Phil Boyum that Bulloch County Sheriff Lynn Anderson and many other area sheriffs have endorsed his campaign.
    As president of the Georgia Agribusinesses Council for two decades, as well as having managed the Georgia Food Industry Partnership for 13 years, Black believes he is particularly well-suited to lead Georgia's agricultural industries into the 21st Century.
    The current campaign for “Georgia-grown” products has had some success, both locally, nationally, and even somewhat world-wide. Black said as agriculture commissioner would will focus on getting even more Georgians to buy home-grown products rather than buying produce grown elsewhere.
    He said that the overall business climate in Georgia is affected by the success of local farmers and growers, and he said that if elected the marketing specialists in the agriculture department would be directed to help reduce regulatory burdens on small farmers here in Georgia to help keep these business in business.
    Black said that Georgia is going to have to develop a comprehensive water management plan to ensure adequate water supplies for the future generations. He promised as commissioner to fight for the farmers' rights as these plans are being drawn up.
    Black said he was recently at Gerrald's carrot operation, and said he was impressed at just what a vibrant community there is in Bulloch County.
    Black said that the broadening of agricultural production across the country makes our country more secure. No longer are products being grown in just one area, which if infested or poisoned would mean America would have to do without. Now, he said, produce is coming from many areas, ensuring that an adequate supply of food would be available under almost all circumstances.
     A lack of confidence in the safety of the food supply could destroy the American Agricultural business. According to Black, this confidence must be maintained at all costs.
    
    “Mornings unPHILtered” airs live Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on statesboroherald.com and also simulcast on WWNS-AM 1240 on the radio. You also can listen anytime at BoroLive.com on statesboroherald.com